ALBANY — One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions out there is the one on losing weight.
We all want to be fit. We all want to have the “ideal” body and feel confident in our clothes. However, as we all know, the journey to fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While many are climbing walls in boredom at home, Best Fitness is taking a different approach to getting up and moving.
The B Lean Virtual Challenge is a 28-day competition to win money by shedding some weight. For $59, anyone (even those who aren’t members of the gym) can reap the benefits of Best Fitness’ offerings; participants will have access to a consultation with a fitness director, virtual private training sessions, nutritional support, personalized meal plans, exclusive virtual workout programs and a community of like-minded people. There will be a $1,000 prize awarded to the best transformation. 
Conor Lukacs, the fitness director at Best Fitness’ Fuller Road location, said the need to get started on a new fitness regime is daunting for many. When you walk into a new location with people you don’t know and equipment you aren’t familiar with, it can be overwhelming. The challenge moving to a virtual platform not only greatly reduces COVID-19 worries, but it allows people to work in the comfort of their own home at their own pace.
“We really pride ourselves in setting goals and helping our clients reach the goals they want,” Lukacs said. “We not only teach the ‘hows’ of a healthy lifestyle but the ‘whys’ as well.”
Lukacs said Best Fitness is a great spot for those scouting out a new gym, as the workout center offers several programs, including yoga and zumba.
Brain Chamberlain, a member of Best Fitness, agreed. A member for about two-and-a-half years, Chamberlain set a goal in early 2019 to shed some weight he gained through the years. He’s lost 70 pounds working with his trainers and is now working on gaining some muscle for that built physique.
“The nice thing about this challenge and working out with a trainer, in general, is you are working with someone who does this on a professional scale,” Chamberlain said. “I feel like Best Fitness offered me the best people, options and results.”
Chamberlain added the atmosphere at the gym is even motivating, as staff will help anyone with any concerns, regardless if they are training or not. Members are also equally concerned about not getting shut down again and have been diligent about following CDC and state guidelines.
Gyms following strict sanitizing protocols are paying off; in early December, Gov. Andrew Cuomo acknowledged gyms and salons are not “superspreader” locations. Cuomo added the protocols in place for personal care facilities is incredibly stringent. Despite that, fitness centers have been targeted since the beginning, being one of the first organizations closed down when COVID-19 began its firestorm across the Capital District.
“We are doing our part to combat the spread and keep the place open that, for many of us, is a way to work through stress and have some time to ourselves,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain and Lukacs said the best way to get committed to a new fitness regimen is sticking with it. While you might not see changes at first, you’ll quickly notice people around you complimenting your hard work and it helps you keep going.
“I really felt motivated in the beginning when my family was saying how great I looked,” Chamberlain said. “There is such a science to fitness that talking to a professional and setting those goals will go a long way.”
For more info on the B Lean Virtual Challenge and Best Fitness, visit https://bit.ly/3s684Bo.
